With the final results in, the mood was tense. The Speech Team of twenty-plus members huddled together waiting for the answer to their burning question, “Who came in first?” The team hoped for the number one spot, but realized Wilson’s power coming into District’s, and there was an acceptance of second place. When Pat “Gonzo” Gonzales (Madison’s Speech and Debate Coach) finally announced that the 2009 PIL District Speech and Debate Champions would be Madison High School’s Mad Mouths, the team exploded out of their seats with excitement and relief, knowing that their hard work finally paid off.

Madison’s Speech and Debate Team has been going strong for a number of years now, and it is not seeming to lose momentum anytime soon. April 3rd and 4th were very important days for our Mad Mouths.With 215 points at the end of the two days, the team ran away with first place (compared to favorite, and defending champ, Wilson High, whose 176 points gave them second

place, followed by third place Lincoln, with 126 points). Cleveland and Grant, at fourth and fifth place, scored less than 50 points each.

The Mad Mouths went into the tournament in the shadow of Wilson. “I was stunned because I was the one running the tournament, and I thought Wilson would win,” said Coach Gonzales. Wilson had won districts the year before, and were expected to win again, but they were not ready for what Madison was bringing to the competition.

“We have three Seniors out of thirty members, and most teams are heavy on Seniors,” states Gonzo.Matthew Parker, Vanessa Hancock, and Casey Cooper all brought in points for the final results by placing in their events. Each Senior was also a state qualifier in at least one of their events. Matthew Parker placed first, and was a state qualifier in the Lincoln Douglas Debate;

Vanessa Hancock placed second, and was a state qualifier in the Expository section; Casey Cooper placed third, and was also a state qualifier in the Lincoln Douglas Debate, and that is just to name a few. “They are a reliable asset to the team,” states teammate Daniel Kowatch, “Most times they always do well in their events, and they are experts of the speech world.”

“We are also a very young team.” Gonzo explained, “Every entry was a gain towards the total score.” The rookies pulled their weight as well, almost every newbie placing, or at least making it to quarterfinals.

A lot of unexpected incidents came about the day before districts that the Speech Team had to overcome. A couple of people got sick, and could not make it, so alternates had to sub in last minute. Saba Saleem, a Senior, would have competed at the tournament if she did not become ill. Heaven-Leigh Carey was sick and in the ER Thursday night, and went home before the tournament was over. That is where the alternates came in. There were five alternates, each placing fourth or above in their given events. “[As an alternate] A lot was on my shoulders,” said Kowatch.

Overall the Mad Mouths had an outstanding 13 people qualifying for state, and some qualifying in more than one event. They also had three District All Stars:Merlin Benneth,Matthew Parker, and Vanessa Hancock. Benneth taking first place in Prose Reading, and After Dinner Speaking, “It felt pretty good,” Benneth laughed, “It’s rare that I actually think I deserve it, but I have been working hard to get where I am.”

Even though they have worked hard to get this far, those members going to state know they are now going to have to work even harder. “We really need to start preparing,” Gonzo challenges. “Our priority is top five in state.”